Pakistan has several role models to emulate to alleviate poverty and develop its economy. South Korea, which adopted third five-year plan of Pakistan is now Asian tiger and latest entrants in the world economic club are China and Malaysia which are progressing by leaps and bounds.Vietnam is the next Asian tiger as its economic growth is sky rocketing. Despite fighting a bloody war with the United States, it has emerged as an important trade partner of that country as well as Germany. We as a nation were at a cross road half a century ago, we are at the cross road right now and it seems we will be at a cross road 50 years later.
Most of the politicians spin around money and do not feel any shame whenthey blatantly lieto the nation. The cherished goal of economy development is still not far away if we as a nation learn to live in this age of science and technology and there is no dearth of intelligent minds in the country. So far, the base of development in the country have confined to individual efforts. There are billionaires of billionaires in Pakistan, but they reached theirzenithon the basis of the luck and labour. Otherwise, everyone is accustomed to leg pulling of others.
Pakistan and China are trusted friends as it is often claimed and this could be exploited into economic cooperation. When the West and the United States are trying their best to prop up India against China, it will be a great help for Chinese to support them on economic and political fronts. The economic woes of Pakistan are more because of internal problems and less due to external factors. Energy crisis, law and order situation and lack of management are a few to be mentioned. Besides, inconsistency in economic policies of the government is the hallmark of mismanagement. Investors want security of their capital and lives, but in Pakistan, no one is safe. There are several pressure groups which force the government to take decisions in their favour. Unless the parliamentarians take firm stand on issues, and convert the rubber stamp parliament into a strong government and democratic institution, the country cannot make progress.
So far the provinces are almost independent with huge funds, but unfortunately, the leaders are unable to exploit the situation and make progress in their respective provinces. The federal government owns a few business entities and national institutions, but corruption has pushed all the federal government organisations into negative zone. It is the time the government must adopt a strategy – a clear direction — to steer the country out of crisis. An economy without a role model will go nowhere.
